In Vitro Comparison of the Accuracy (Precision and Trueness) of Seven Dental Scanners

Statement of the Problem: 

The mechanism of operation of dental scanners are based on different technologies. Considering these differences, there are many types of scanners available in the market.

This in-vitro study aimed to compare the accuracy (precision and trueness) of seven commonly used dental scanners.

In this in-vitro, experimental study, accuracy of 7 common extra oral scanners (Sirona ineos inLab, Sirona X5, Dentium, Imes Icore 350I, amann girrbach, 3shape D700, 3shape E3) were evaluated. Each of scanners performed 7 scans of implant abutment of SIC (SIC MAX.GH1). Data from each scanner were then compared to data received from 3Shape Trios intra oral scanner, as a reference. For evaluating the accuracy of each scanner, trueness and precision was evaluated. Collected data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis and Bonferroni tests via SPSS version 22.

Descriptive statistics showed the best trueness was for 3Shape E3 scanner with the average of 35.37 µm and the worst referred to Sirona x5 scanner with the average of 51.75 µm. Furthermore, the best precision refers to 3Shape E3 scanner with the average of 35.34, while the lowest precision was noted in 3Shape D700. The scanners had significant differences with each other in terms of trueness and precision (p < 0.05).

In this study the extra oral scanner, 3shape E3, had the best trueness and precision. The lowest amount of trueness among the studied scanners was for the extra oral scanner, Sirona x5, and the lowest precision was for scanner 3shape D700.